Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe - Homemade Fall Dessert

Name: Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 1/4 tsp ginger; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed); 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1 egg (large); 1 tsp vanilla extract; chocolate chips, walnuts, or pecans (optional mix-ins)

Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are the ultimate fall treat — soft, moist, and packed with cozy seasonal flavors. Unlike dry, crumbly cookies, these homemade delights stay irresistibly chewy thanks to pumpkin puree and a perfect balance of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Each bite delivers a warm, comforting taste of autumn that pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.

Whether you add chocolate chips, walnuts, or pecans, these cookies are easy to bake and even easier to enjoy. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in, they’ll quickly become your new favorite pumpkin dessert!

Table of Contents

What are Chewy Pumpkin Cookies?

Chewy Pumpkin Cookies aren’t your average, dry, crumbly cookie. They are soft, moist, and delightfully chewy. The secret lies in the balance of wet and dry ingredients, as well as the careful baking time. Pumpkin puree adds moisture and a subtle sweetness, while the blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger creates that classic fall flavor profile.

These cookies are perfect enjoyed with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or simply on their own. Ready to bring the magic of fall into your kitchen? Let’s bake some chewy pumpkin cookies!

Key Ingredients for Chewy Pumpkin Cookies:

All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/2 cups (300g). Measure accurately for best results.
Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon (5g). Ensures a light and airy texture.
Baking Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g). Adds extra lift to the cookies.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (3g). Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (2.5g). The quintessential fall spice.
Nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon (1.25g). Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
Ginger: 1/4 teaspoon (0.75g). Provides a subtle spiciness.
Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (113g), softened. Allows for easy creaming.
Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200g). Adds sweetness and structure.
Packed Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup (100g). Contributes to the chewy texture.
Pumpkin Puree: 1 cup (245g). Provides moisture and pumpkin flavor.
Egg: 1 large. Binds the ingredients together.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml). Enhances the overall flavor.
Optional: Chocolate Chips, Chopped Walnuts, or Pecans: As desired. For added texture and flavor.

How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Cookies:

These Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are unbelievably easy to make, delivering a warm, delicious treat in under an hour. The recipe is straightforward, combining simple ingredients and a few easy steps. What makes these cookies standout are their soft, chewy texture and the delightful blend of pumpkin spice. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a baking time of around 12-15 minutes, you’ll have a batch of these irresistible cookies ready to enjoy in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Make sure these ingredients are well combined so that spices are equally distributed throughout the batter.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is important for creating a light and airy texture. Use an electric mixer for best results, mixing for about 2-3 minutes.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture might look slightly curdled at this stage, but don’t worry, it will come together once the dry ingredients are added.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Add Optional Mix-Ins: If desired, gently fold in chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans. These additions can add a delightful crunch and flavor to your cookies.
Drop by Spoonfuls: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Be careful not to overbake the cookies, as this will make them dry.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from sticking and help them set properly.
Enjoy: Once cooled, these Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are ready to enjoy!

Why You’ll Love These Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

These Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are all about the delightful texture – they’re irresistibly soft and chewy, much better than those dry, crumbly cookies you might have had before. Making these cookies at home is a fantastic way to save money compared to buying them from a bakery, plus you get to enjoy that fresh-baked aroma wafting through your house! The unique touch? The warm blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger that make them taste like autumn in a bite, and of course, the option to add chocolate chips for extra indulgence.

If you’re a fan of classic chocolate chip cookies, you might find these to be a delightful autumnal twist. Ready to make your own batch of these homey and comforting cookies? Give this recipe a try!

What to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Cookies With:

A Cold Glass of Milk: The classic pairing, the cool milk complements the warm spices.
Spiced Latte: Enhance the fall flavors with a pumpkin spice latte or a chai latte.
Apple Cider: The sweetness of apple cider complements the pumpkin spice perfectly.
Vanilla Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Cinnamon Roll: Complement the Cookies with cinnamon roll for a flavorful experience.
Sweet Tea : Sweet Tea give good taste with cookies, if some people like it sweet.

Top Tips for Perfecting Chewy Pumpkin Cookies:

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
Chill the Dough: For extra chewy cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together and helps the cookies hold their shape.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for easier creaming and a smoother batter.
Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping the flour directly from the bag, as this can pack it down and result in too much flour in your dough.
Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking. If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, add a little more.
Consider Substitutions: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own by combining cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.

Health Benefits of Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

While these are a sweet treat, there are some benefits to the cookies

Pumpkin Provides Nutrients: Pumpkin is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and potassium.
Spice contains antioxidant: Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg offer antioxidant properties.
Homemade Control : Control over ingradients like quality and ammount of sugar.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Storing: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies.
Freezing: Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes. You can also warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften them up.

Final Thoughts:

These Chewy Pumpkin Cookies are a perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall. Their soft, chewy texture and warm spices make them an irresistible treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or simply craving a taste of autumn, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Happy baking!

Read also :

Chewy Pumpkin Cookies FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

No, pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which will alter the flavor and texture of the cookies. Stick with pure pumpkin puree for best results.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

Evelyn